Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Do you gap 5/4" x 6" decking???

I have heard and read much conflicting info about this :confused: . I'm looking for one final right answer so I don't have to tally up the score and go with the winner.

Do I gap PT 5/4" x 6" decking boards when I install them or should I lay them so they are touching because they will create a gap when they shrink?

Remember that wood not only shrinks, but also swells. Everything I've heard says to provide a gap between boards. When it rains, the gaps provide drainage and quicker drying of the wood after the storm. Also the gaps lessen the possibility of mold, mildew, etc growing in between the boards.

How much of a gap?

I've always used a 16d nail to gap decking.

Bruce

I cut a 2"X6" 1/8" --1/4" ply wood. Put a finnish nail half way through it about 2" down from the top make two or three of them. works better than just a nail.just let then hang between the next deck board. nail it then pull them up and out.

ED :thinker:

Ed -- Are you saying to space them using the finish nail or using the 1/4 - 1/8 plywood. I'm having a little trouble picturing what you are saying but it sounds like an idea I'd like to use. Did you mean 2" X 6" X 1/4" (which would be plywood) or did you mean cut a length of 2x6 and some plywood and then put them together. Not sure??? Which piece do you put the nail in?

Thanks.

It really depends on what you are using for decking. If you use a composite then I would recommend a 1/4" gap because the composite won't shrink much if at all. If you use a softwood (redwood, etc) then 1/8" is appropriate because it will shrink.

Personally, I cut 6" squares of masonite and then cut a 1-1/2" wide x 2-1/2" notch in one side and a 3/4" diameter finger hole opposite. The notch fits over the 2x joists and the hole allows me to easily pull them up after the decking is secured.

Thanks for the idea.

brians
or using the 1/4 - 1/8 plywood. I'm having a little trouble picturing what you are saying but it sounds like an idea I'd like to use.

With the nail about half way through the strip of ply wood. Drop the plywood down between the next deck board to get nailed. The nail in the plywood is like just laying on the deck board and holds it there for you. When done just pull the plywood up and drop it in between the next board. This beats making the notch out kind. And you can put them anyplace dont need a joist

ED ;)

Thanks Ed. That makes sense.

I'm going to stray a little from whats being recommended though it depends entirely on the condition of the lumber your using. Freshly treated pine is inheritly very wet. So wet it will even drip while being nailed (I've had the stuff spray me in the face). In such a case, we've made it a point to nail the boards as close together as possible leaving no gap at all. Over the course of a few months as the wood dry's out, we're left with about a 1/8 to 3/8 inch gap. Kiln dried or material thats been around the lumber yard for a period of time is gapped similar to what has been mentioned above.